£20m competition will seek to decarbonise shipping industry

The government has launched a new £20m competition to help decarbonise the shipping industry. 

The funding will be used to support the development of prototype zero-emission vessels and green port infrastructure.

The government is encouraging scientists and academics to collaborate with ports and shipbuilders to enter their proposals into the competition.

If the trials are successful, the technology will then be developed commercially and rolled out at scale.

The Maritime Minister confirmed this news ahead of the launch of two Government-funded studies focused on achieving net-zero in both the recreational craft sector and offshore wind sectors.

A separate study is also being developed on the offshore wind sector, produced in partnership with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Workboat Association. It will bring a coalition of industry partners together to break down the barriers to moving all operational and maintenance vessels working in the North Sea offshore wind sector to zero emissions by 2025.

Maritime Minister Robert Courts said: ‘This is a turning point for the UK’s maritime sector. It’s an opportunity for businesses to develop the technologies of the future, not only protecting our environment but driving economic growth.

‘I urge this country’s best thinkers to put their green ideas forward and help us deliver a better, cleaner maritime sector.’

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘We have a proud shipbuilding history, and together with industry, I am determined to build on that as we look to develop the innovations of the future and meet our net-zero target.

‘We are revolutionising maritime technology, and from electric boats to hydrogen ports, we will change the way this country sails forever, and bring jobs and prosperity to the UK.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay